The Ossege Family: Dream Vacation

Before I begin about our trip, let us just say a BIG

THANK YOU!!!

and

WE LOVE YOU!!!

to Grandpa and Grandma Grothaus for the most amazing family vacation!

The kids were so excited the closer vacation came and we started making preparations. We created a fun "Disney Countdown" on the fridge and made custom autograph books.

Kimberly's Mickey & Minnie nails.

Officially in the car headed to the airport...

waiting for take-off...

having fun in the rental car...

finally arriving at the house!

The kids were amazed at having a pool right outside the back door that they were allowed to go swimming in anytime, even right after breakfast.

Grandpa & Austin

Our first venture was to Clearwater Beach...so beautiful! One day we would like to return here for another vacation. It was a fabulous day playing in the surf and sand!

I just found the bathroom sign amusing :-)

Lovebirds!

Park #1 - Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World

Who doesn't love visiting the "Happiest place on Earth"!!! The kids loved everything we got to do/see. Some of their favorites were Cinderella's Castle, the Haunted Mansion, Ariel's Grotto, and Tales with Belle. At Tales with Belle Kimberly and Austin got to participate as Mrs. Potts and Chip. I am truly amazed at how much we squeezed in. It was probably the hottest day there and while there was some crankiness, we still had a magical day! Our only disappointment was missing the Electric Lights Parade due to rain :-(

Our first character meet & greet was with Chip N' Dale. They were so cute! When they noticed the girls Birthday buttons, Dale gave each kid a leaf off the tree as a birthday present.

Not sure what they are doing?

Chip and Mrs. Potts

Austin thought Belle was pretty :-)

On the Speedway, my car went about as slow as a snail. Austin who was driving behind me, kept ramming me from behind telling me to go faster and giggling up a storm.

Can't go to Disney and not get something "Mickey". The girls each picked out mouse ears and Austin got the man, I mean the mouse himself to bring home.

Off Day #1 We relaxed in the pool at the house and made a midday jump over to Downtown Disney for lunch at the Rainforest Café and some shopping.

Park Day #2 - Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World

Austin's favorite ride...NOT!

If you look closely at the back row of the pic below, it is me, Austin, Kimberly, Randy, Grandma, Steph and Lexus. Austin and Kimberly didn't quite see the fun in this ride as they tried to squeeze as far behind us as they could.

Next, we rode the Aerosmith Rollercoaster which Kimberly was not sure about riding. When we got off I asked her is she liked it and she said she wanted to ride it again, it was awesome. I then asked her what was her favorite part an she said "I don't know I had my eyes closed the whole time!" You can see our pics from this ride below.

We got to meet a bonanza of characters at the Animation of Disney...

Jake the Neverland Pirate

Mr. Incredible & Frozone

Sorcerer Mickey Mouse

Stitch

Mike Wasowski & Sulley from Monsters Inc.

Mickey helping Lexus adjust her ears :-)

Charlie's Angels has nothing on these three at Toy Story Mania! Lexus kicked everyone's butt getting a high score of 158,000. It was definitely one of the best attractions they have.

We saw the backlot tour and the stunt show which featured a small cameo by Lightning McQueen.

Awww! So sweet!

The pic below show an army man from Toy Story. I asked Austin to get his picture taken with him. he asked if he was real and I told him no (he was real). I was hoping he would break character while Austin was standing there. Another lady went up to take the same pic after Austin thinking he was a statue and then the army man moved about giving her a heart attack.

This pic makes me want to laugh :-)

I wish I had more pictures of the fantastic show at Hollywood Studios, but the other ones didn't come out so well. :-(

Kimberly checking out the local wildlife...turtles!

Dana and I met more wildlife on the way to the grocery store.

Park #3 - Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios

As many people know Universal is home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter...lets just say Lexus would still be there if we didn't make her leave! :-) Unlike the other park days, this one didn't go so well for me. Not sure what happened...not enough breakfast, the heat, the Harry Potter ride...lets just say I was looking pretty green. Plus, just when I thought it was safe to go on the Cat in the Hat ride (ride description: ride couch through beloved story book) they threw me a curveball by spinning Austin and I in 360 degree spins every chance they got. I didn't do much after that; so a BIG thank you to Aunt Steph for riding all the roller coasters with Lexus and Kimberly!